JANM Free Family Days: Okinawan Traditions

FREE ALL DAY

In conjunction with the opening of Sugar/Islands: Finding Okinawa in Hawai‘i, join us for a day of performances, crafts, and activities celebrating Okinawan culture.

ALL DAY ACTIVITIES:

Okinawan Shiisaa: Resembling a cross between a dog and a lion, the shiisaa is a mythical beast believed to have the power to ward off evil. Statues of shiisaa are often seen in front of buildings, typically in pairs. Make your own shiisaa at our craft station!

Okinawan Lei Making: Originally created for use in a traditional dance, the Okinawan nuchibana lei has come to symbolize many things, including love, purity, hope, and remembrance. What will your nuchibana lei symbolize?

1:30 p.m.: Take in a stimulating concert by Aloha Time Machine, featuring reggae- and blues-influenced ukulele player Jason Arimoto and Afro-Cuban percussionist Brad Ranola.

2 p.m.: Join us for a panel discussion and reception on the occasion of the opening of our new exhibition, Sugar/Islands: Finding Okinawa in Hawai‘i. Curator Krystal Hauseur, PhD, and artists Laura Kina and Emily Hanako Momohara will talk about the ideas, histories, and inspirations behind their exhibition.

3 p.m.: Enjoy an authentic Okinawan taiko performance by the Los Angeles branch of Ryukukoku Matsuri Daiko, founded in Okinawa in 1982.

3:30 p.m.: Close out the day with some bluegrass-inspired pop by Okinawan musician Banjo Ai.

11:30 a.m.: Author Kieren van den Blink presents an interactive reading of Sniff, the first in a series of five children’s books that evoke the fun and pleasure of the senses. Book signing to follow.

1 p.m.: Join Story Theater for a family-friendly improvisational performance in which the themes and storylines are shaped by you!

2 p.m.: Lora Nakamura reads from her book, The Bonsai Babes: A Love Story, a magical account of two little girls in Los Angeles who struggle to realize their dreams. Bonsai drawing activity and book signing to follow.

Target Free Family Saturdays: Meaningful May

FREE* ALL DAY!

May is a month of many celebrations. Join us as we commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and the final month of Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty.

Create your own biodegradable planter, and then plant a seed and take it home to watch it grow. Special Hello Kitty seed labels will be provided to remind you what you planted.

Ruthie’s Origami Corner: Inspired by Sanrio’s “small gift, big smile” philosophy, JANM volunteer Ruthie Kitagawa will teach you how to make a small gift box out of recycled gift wrap.

Design and make your own eco-friendly fashion and accessories using recycled materials. At 3:30 p.m., you’ll have a chance to show off your creations at JANM’s own red carpet runway fashion show!

Macaroni Kids Downtown LA will have a bracelet- and necklace-making table where guests can create macaroni-based accessories to go with their other eco-friendly fashions.

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES:

11:30 a.m. • 12:30 p.m.: Los Angeles–based nonprofit organization reDiscover Center will lead a workshop about the environmental dangers of plastic waste and the importance of recycling plastic wherever possible. There will also be a craft activity to create a fish art piece from a used CD.

12 p.m. • 2 p.m.: Join in on a rockin’ drum circle with Drumtime! All instruments provided, along with brief drumming lessons. Fun for ages 1 to 101!